East Parish Burying Ground facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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East Parish Burying Ground
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| Location | Centre Street, Newton Corner, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 2.9 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1660s |
| NRHP reference No. | 83004010 |
| Added to NRHP | December 23, 1983 |
The East Parish Burying Ground, also called the Centre Street Burying Ground, is a historic cemetery. You can find it in Newton Corner, a part of the city of Newton, Massachusetts. It is located at Centre and Cotton streets. This special place was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 23, 1983. Many people consider it the "most important" and "most special" historic site in Newton.
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Exploring the History of East Parish Burying Ground
The East Parish Burying Ground is very old. It dates back to the 1660s. Back then, the word "parish" meant both a religious area and a political area. The church connected to this cemetery was the First Church in Newton. It was started in 1664. This church celebrated its 300th birthday in 1964. Later, it closed down in 1973.
What is the First Settlers Monument?
A special monument, called the First Settlers Monument, was put up on September 1, 1852. It was built to remember the first people who settled in the East Parish area. This monument has important messages carved into its four sides.
Messages on the Monument
- The north side tells us that Deacon John Jackson gave the first acre of land for the cemetery and the First Church. His son, Abraham Jackson, gave another 2 acres (8,100 m2) for the older part of the cemetery. Edward Jackson also gave land in 1660 and 1681.
- The west side lists 20 early settlers. It shows the year each person came to Newton and the year they passed away. The earliest settlers arrived in 1640.
- The south side honors Thomas Wiswall. He became a church leader on July 20, 1664. It also mentions his four sons.
- The east side remembers the Reverend John Eliot, Jr.. He was the first pastor of the First Church in Newton. He started his work on July 20, 1664. The monument also shares details about his family.
Where is the Burying Ground Located?
The East Parish Burying Ground is on Centre Street to the west. It is also on Cotton Street to the south. Right at the corner of these two streets is Loring Park. This park is a long, narrow piece of land owned by the city.
The cemetery is next to land owned by the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. This land is to the north and east. Across Centre Street, you'll find the campus of the former Newton College of the Sacred Heart. This campus is now part of Boston College. Boston College uses it for its Law School and for student housing. Cotton Street is roughly the line between Newton Corner and Newton Centre.
Who Manages the Cemetery Today?
Today, the City of Newton owns the East Parish Burying Ground. The city calls it the Centre Street Cemetery. It covers an area of about 125,620 square feet (11,670 m2). A group called Historic Newton helps take care of the graves and tombs. They work to preserve these historic burying grounds owned by the City of Newton.
